Ipad, Watch, iPhone and MacBook Pro never sync together

As the title states, my Ipad, Watch, iPhone and MacBook Pro never sync together. If I delete a text message or email on one device, most devices won't sync for hours on end.. if at all. Sometimes for days at a time. Or I have to restart everything DAILY to hope they sync. All similar queries I've found are months/years old so they obviously don't provide correct information due to all the constant updates(see more frustrations).

Am I the only one or is this a constant challenge for others?


  • I am up to date on all devices. Cannot find "Imap or POP" anything anywhere





iPhone 15 Pro

Posted on Jul 14, 2025 10:23 AM

Reply
1 reply

Jul 23, 2025 06:53 AM in response to donttrustapple

Just as reference, mine all sync together well. Photos, for instance, may take from 3 seconds to three hours, depending on what I'm doing. And, by the way, iPhones don't really sync with Macs or other devices; they all sync with Photos or iCloud Drive at iCloud.com. You didn't say how iCloud was working, so we can't know where the bottleneck is. You should look at iCloud.com to see what's getting there.


Since syncing uses the battery, and since lots of people are very anxious about battery drain, the iPhone will avoid syncing when not plugged in. And since syncing uses processing power, and people hate slow downs, the iPhone will avoid syncing while you use it. And since syncing requires bandwidth, the iPhone will avoid syncing when the internet connection is weak.


So, if you want faster syncing, then find good wifi, plug the phone in, and leave it alone. All this applies to a lesser extent for the Mac.


If I need something to be transferred immediately, I use AirDrop.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Ipad, Watch, iPhone and MacBook Pro never sync together

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.